Branson beams onto Harbour Bridge

AAP

RICHARD Branson has beamed an image of himself onto the Sydney Harbour Bridge with a taunt to the Australian cricket captain as the Ashes series gets underway.

The image, featuring the English tycoon's face painted with a St George's cross, was beamed onto the bridge's southern pylon on Wednesday night with the message: "Good luck Ricky. You'll need it. Dicky x".

Branson has pledged to donate 1,000 pounds sterling ($A2,070) to charity for every English batsman who scores 50 runs during the Ashes Test series in England.

"I love Australia and I know the Aussies are always up for a spot of light-hearted banter, especially when it comes to the Ashes," Branson said in a statement.

"Every Australian I know wants to stuff us in the upcoming series and I wanted to do my bit to encourage the England team in the hope that they can win the Ashes this time around."

NSW police said they were not aware of the stunt.